:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/9323777/119783520.0.jpg)
Mike Bates: Aroldis Chapman, the Reds, and learning from recent history
The Washington Nationals invited controversy last season by publicly announcing Stephen Strasburg's innings limit. Fortunately, the Reds appear to have learned from the Nats' debacle by keeping Aroldis Chapman's usage plan within the team. Mark Sheldon reported earlier this week that the silence is part of the Reds' plan:
The club -- including Baker, general manager Walt Jocketty and pitching coach Bryan Price -- have a plan in place, but are keeping its details on the down-low from the general public.
"There is a pretty good understanding of what will be necessary to keep his innings at an area that we're comfortable with, should he be a starter throughout the course of the season," Price told MLB.com. "That being said, I think if I've learned anything, I've learned it's better to keep that stuff to ourselves. You just set the table for a little too much speculation and Q&A that I would not be comfortable going through."
Dayton Business Journal: Kings Island adding Cincinnati Reds-themed restaurant
The 364-acre Warren County amusement park - owned by Cedar Fair Entertainment Co. - is getting The Reds Hall of Fame Grille, set to debut when Kings Island opens April 27.
The full-service, air-conditioned restaurant will feature authentic Reds memorabilia, framed jerseys and photos, and other bits of history dating back to the 1800s from the first professional baseball team.
I think this is pretty cool, though I do not really understand the tie-in. Sure, the Reds are the local team and wildly popular, but an amusement park seems like an odd place to attract baseball fans to a restaurant.
The Globe and Mail: Canadian baseball’s lefty leanings linked to national game
Canada's WBC roster features 13 players who bat lefty, but throw right-handed. Of course, Joey Votto is one of the 13. That combination is not that rare in the major leagues, but Canadians tend to take the approach to the extreme. Economist J.C. Bradbury believes that the proclivity is due to the influence of hockey on Canadian players. Hockey players tend to use their dominant hand on the top of the stick, which leads to Canadians hitting and golfing left-handed more frequently than their American counterparts.
MLB Daily Dish: Rafael Furcal injury: Cardinals shortstop to have Tommy John surgery
I'm sure St. Louis will assemble a three-headed Frankenstein of Ronny Cedeno, Pete Kozma, and Ryan Jackson at shortstop that will somehow produce at a level equivalent to Cal Ripken, Jr. in his prime.
CSN Chicago: White Sox may have a steal with Sale
The South Siders extended ace Chris Sale through 2017 with a five-year extension worth $32.5 million. Chicago also holds club options for 2018 and 2019 worth $12.5 and $13.5 million respectively. Each option also includes a $1 million buyout. Sale was slated to enter free agency in 2017 before signing this contract.
Amazin' Avenue: The Night Hugo Chavez Broke Shea Stadium
Matthew Callan breaks down Hugo Chavez' appearance at Shea Stadium in 1999. The night featured three national anthems, the return of David Wells, and Bobby Valentine's fake mustache.